Personal care product customized by discrete particles and method of apply thereof

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a personal care product customized by one or more solid discrete particles of a mixture composition, wherein the mixture composition comprises a surfactant and a high melting point fatty compound, and wherein the mixture composition contains less than about 50% of water. Also disclosed is a method of applying such customized personal care products to a target surface. The present invention provides at least one of the following benefits: Boosting rheology especially storage modulus (G′); Boosting conditioning benefits; Adding a new benefit such as aesthetic benefit, anti-dandruff benefit, sensate such as heating/cooling, and scent; and Providing at least one of the above benefits, while having improved stability.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a personal care product customized byone or more solid discrete particles of a mixture composition, whereinthe mixture composition comprises a surfactant and a high melting pointfatty compound, and wherein the mixture composition contains less thanabout 50% of water. The present invention also relates to a method ofapplying such customized personal care products to a target surface. Thepresent invention provides at least one of the following benefits:Boosting rheology especially storage modulus (G′); Boosting conditioningbenefits; Adding a new benefit such as aesthetic benefit, anti-dandruffbenefit, sensate such as heating/cooling, and scent; and Providing atleast one of the above benefits, while having improved stability.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of approaches have been developed to condition the hair. Acommon method of providing conditioning benefit is through the use ofconditioning agents such as cationic surfactants and polymers, highmelting point fatty compounds, low melting point oils, siliconecompounds, and mixtures thereof. Most of these conditioning agents areknown to provide various conditioning benefits.

For example, United States Patent Application Publication No.2003/0103923 from SAN-EI KAGAKU relates to a composition containing analcohol, the composition being for blending in a hair treatment agent,and hair conditioners prepared from the hair treatment agents. SAN-EIpublication discloses a variety of such compositions for blending inhair treatment agents, including compositions containing fatty alcoholsand cationic surfactants, for example, in Examples 100-110. The SAN-EIpublication also discloses hair conditioners by using such compositionsfor blending, for example, in Example 112-118.

In Examples 112-117 of the SAN-EI publication, the compositions forblending (Examples 102, 103, 104 and 106) are heated up to 80° C. ormore, then mixed with mainly water to make hair conditioners. Thecompositions for blending (Examples 102, 103, 104 and 106) used thereincontain higher percentages of liquid material (for example, 27%propylene glycol in Example 102, 47% of liquid petrolatum in Example103, 43% of glycerin and 18% of liquid petrolatum in Example 104, and28% of glycerin in Example 106) together with fatty alcohols andcationic surfactants.

In Example 118 of the SAN-EI publication, a composition for blending(Example 111) is added to an emulsion cooled down below 40° C., whereinthe emulsion is of water and an additive composition containing acationic surfactant and a fatty alcohol, and further mixed with water tomake hair conditioner. The composition for blending (Example 111)contains ethanol, cationic surfactant, and more than 80% of water, andno fatty alcohols.

SAN-EI publication also discloses preparation of hair conditioners inExamples 150-156. In Example 150-154, compositions for blending(Examples 123, 126, 127, 130, 133, and 134) are heated to above 80° C.,and added to water which is also heated to above 80° C., and emulsifiedand cooled to make hair conditioners. The compositions for blending(Examples 123, 126, 127, 130, 133, and 134) contain cationic surfactantsand fatty alcohols, and also 15-20% of liquid oils (in Examples 123, 130and 133) or 6-8% of polyoxyethylene esters (in Examples 126, 127 and134).

Another example can be United States Patent Application Publication No.2003/223952 from P&G relating to a process for preparing cleansingcomposition comprising (a) combining a fatty alcohol and a surfactant ina premix at a temperature sufficient to allow partitioning of thesurfactant into the fatty alcohol, (b) cooling the mixture below thechain melt temperature of the premix to form a gel network, (c) addingthe gel network to a detersive surfactant and an aqueous carrier to forma cleansing composition. The P&G publication discloses Examples inparagraphs [0186]-[0190], using such gel network containing fattyalcohol and cationic surfactant.

Also, United States Patent Application Publication No. 2016/143827 fromKao discloses a composition that is solid at room temperature andwherein the water content is 10 wt % or less, and a hair conditionercomposition prepared by dispersing the solid composition in water atmoderate temperatures. European Patent Application Publication No.2394632 from Shiseido discloses a hair conditioner composition with anextremely low water content, and from which a hair conditionercomposition can easily be manufactured simply by diluting with water.

However, there remains a need to provide customized personal carecomposition to provide at least one of the following benefits:

-   -   Boosting rheology especially storage modulus (G′) and/or        boosting rich conditioning perception/feeling, preferably        independently from the use of thickening polymer.    -   Boosting conditioning benefits    -   Adding a new benefit such as aesthetic benefit, anti-dandruff        benefit, sensate such as heating/cooling, and scent    -   Providing at least one of the above benefits, while having        improved stability especially when containing incompatible        components and/or while not causing negative interaction with        personal care composition, package, and any other environmental        factors.

None of the existing art provides all of the advantages and benefits ofthe present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a personal care product comprising:

one or more solid discrete particles of a mixture composition, whereinthe mixture composition comprises a surfactant and a high melting pointfatty compound, and wherein the mixture composition contains less thanabout 50% of water; anda container containing the discrete particles;a usage instruction comprising depiction corresponding to the followingsteps:

-   (i) mixing an aqueous personal care composition and the solid    discrete particles to make a customized personal care product; and-   (ii) applying the customized personal care product to a targeted    surface.

The present invention is also directed to a method of applying acustomized personal care product comprising the following steps:

-   (i) Mixing an aqueous personal care composition and one or more    solid discrete particles of a mixture composition to make a    customized personal care product, wherein the mixture composition    comprises a surfactant and a high melting point fatty compound, and    wherein the mixture composition contains less than about 50% of    water; and-   (ii) Applying the customized personal care product to a target    surface.

The present inventions provide at least one of the following benefits:

-   -   Boosting rheology especially storage modulus (G′) and/or        boosting rich conditioning perception/feeling, preferably        independently from the use of thickening polymer.    -   Boosting conditioning benefits    -   Adding a new benefit such as aesthetic benefit, anti-dandruff        benefit, sensate such as heating/cooling, and scent    -   Providing at least one of the above benefits, while having        improved stability especially when containing incompatible        components and/or while not causing negative interaction with        personal care composition, package, and any other environmental        factors.

None of the existing art provides all of the advantages and benefits ofthe present invention.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood from a reading of the followingdescription, and appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed that the presentinvention will be better understood from the following description.

Herein, “comprising” means that other steps and other ingredients whichdo not affect the end result can be added. This term encompasses theterms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of”.

All percentages, parts and ratios are based upon the total weight of thecompositions of the present invention, unless otherwise specified. Allsuch weights as they pertain to listed ingredients are based on theactive level and, therefore, do not include carriers or by-products thatmay be included in commercially available materials.

Herein, “mixtures” is meant to include a simple combination of materialsand any compounds that may result from their combination.

As used herein, “molecular weight” or “Molecular weight” refers to theweight average molecular weight unless otherwise stated. Molecularweight is measured using industry standard method, gel permeationchromatography (“GPC”).

Product With Usage Instruction/Method to Applying Customized PersonalCare Composition

The personal care product of the present invention comprises: one ormore solid discrete particles of a mixture composition, wherein themixture composition comprises a surfactant and a high melting pointfatty compound, and wherein the mixture composition contains less thanabout 50% of water; and

a container containing the discrete particles;a usage instruction comprising depiction corresponding to the followingsteps:

-   (i) mixing an aqueous personal care composition and the solid    discrete particles to make a customized personal care product; and-   (ii) applying the customized personal care product to a targeted    surface.

In the present invention, it is preferred that the instruction is freeof:

depiction corresponding to a step to any of the discrete particle, theaqueous personal care composition and the customized personal careproduct; and/ordepiction make the temperature of any of the discrete particle, theaqueous personal care composition and the customized personal careproduct to exceed 65° C., more preferably 60° C., still more preferably55° C., even more preferably 50° C., further preferably 45° C.

In the present invention, it is preferred that the instruction furthercomprises:

depiction to restrict to heat any of the discrete particle, the aqueouspersonal care composition and the customized personal care product;and/ordepiction to restrict that the temperature of any of the discreteparticle, the aqueous personal care composition and the customizedpersonal care product to exceed 65° C., more preferably 60° C., stillmore preferably 55° C., even more preferably 50° C., further preferably45° C.

The method of the present invention is that of applying a customizedpersonal care product comprising the following steps:

-   (i) Mixing an aqueous personal care composition and one or more    solid discrete particles of a mixture composition to make a    customized personal care product, wherein the mixture composition    comprises a surfactant and a high melting point fatty compound, and    wherein the mixture composition contains less than about 50% of    water; and-   (ii) Applying the customized personal care product to a target    surface.

In the present invention, it is preferred that the method is free of astep to make the temperature of any of the discrete particle, theaqueous personal care composition and the customized personal careproduct to exceed 65° C., more preferably 60° C., still more preferably55° C., even more preferably 50 ° C., further preferably 45° C.

The usage instruction may further comprise depiction corresponding tothe following step to wait for from about 1 min to about 1 day aftermixing and before applying the customized personal care composition tohair, preferably from about 1 minuet to about 1 night, more preferablyfrom about 1 minuet to about 3hours, still more preferably from about 1min to about 1 hour after mixing and before applying. The method ofapplying the customized personal care composition may further comprisethe above step.

The usage instruction may further comprise depiction for suggesting anusage amount of the solid discrete particles, for example, from about0.1 g to about 10 g of the solid discrete particles for 100 m1 of thepersonal care composition, preferably from about 0.1 g to about 7 g,more preferably from about 0.1 g to about 5 g of the solid discreteparticles for 100 ml of the personal care composition, alternatively,one container of the solid discrete particles for 1 bottle of thepersonal care composition. The above usage amount can be also applied inthe method of applying the customized personal care composition.

The customized personal care product is applied to a targeted surface.The targeted surface is an appropriate portion selected from hair, bodyand/or face, depending on the type of the products and/or compositions.

Aqueous Personal Care Composition

The aqueous personal care composition to be mixed with the soliddiscrete particles is preferably:

selected from the group consisting of a hair care composition, a bodycare composition, a facial skin care composition, and mixtures thereof,preferably a hair care composition;the one which a user has or buy; and/orsubstantially free of a detersive surfactant selected from anionicsurfactants, zwitterionic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant, andcombinations thereof.

The usage instruction may further comprise depiction corresponding to atleast one of these aspects, or all of these aspects independently orconcurrently.

In the present invention, “the composition being substantially free ofdetersive surfactants” means that: the composition is free of detersivesurfactants; or, if the aqueous personal care composition containsdetersive surfactants, the level of such detersive surfactants is verylow. In the present invention, a total level of such detersivesurfactants, if included, preferably 0.1% or less, more preferably 0.05%or less, still more preferably 0.01% or less by weight of the aqueouspersonal care composition. Most preferably, the total level of suchdetersive surfactants is 0% by weight of the composition.

The aqueous personal composition comprises an aqueous carrier. Aqueouscarrier useful in the present invention includes water and watersolutions of lower alkyl alcohols. The lower alkyl alcohols usefulherein are monohydric alcohols having 1 to 6 carbons, more preferablyethanol and isopropanol. Preferably, the aqueous carrier issubstantially water. Deionized water is preferably used. Water fromnatural sources including mineral cations can also be used, depending onthe desired characteristic of the product. Generally, the aqueouscarrier can be contained in the personal care compositions at a level ofq.s. to 100% of the composition, preferably from about 40% to about 99%,more preferably from about 50% to about 95%, still more preferably fromabout 70% to about 95%, even more preferably from about 80% to about 95%by weight of the composition.

Preferably the aqueous personal care composition comprises at least oneof the following: a cationic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, apolymer, and mixtures thereof, more preferably a cationic surfactant,still more preferably a cationic surfactant and high melting point fattycompound. The polymer can be a water soluble polymer such as watersoluble thickening polymer and/or water soluble styling polymer

Water Soluble Polymer

The aqueous personal care composition can include, for example, fromabout 0.005% to about 10%, preferably from about 0.01% to about 5%, morepreferably from about 0.05% to about 5%, still more preferably fromabout 0.1% to about 5%, and even more preferably from about 0.2% toabout 3% of the water soluble polymers, by weight of the aqueouspersonal care composition.

The water soluble polymers may have solubility in water, measured at 25°C., of from about 0.1 g/L to about 500 g/L. The water soluble polymersmay be of synthetic or natural origin and may be modified by means of achemical reaction.

In an embodiment, the water soluble polymers may have a weight averagemolecular weight of from about 5,000 g/mol to about 50,000,000 g/mol,alternatively from about 10,000 g/mol to about 10,000,000 g/mol,alternatively from about 20,000 g/mol to about 5,000,000 g/mol, andalternatively from about 100,000 g/mol to about 3,000,000 g/mol.

In an embodiment, the aqueous personal care composition with the watersoluble polymers may have a viscosity at 20° C. of from about 100centipoise to about 10,000,000 centipoise, alternatively from about 500centipoise to about 5,000,000 centipoise, and alternatively from about1000 centipoise to about 100,000 centipoise.

The water soluble polymer can be nonionic, cationic, anionic,amphoteric, and preferably nonionic or cationic especially when thesurfactant contained in the discrete particle is nonionic or cationic.

Non-limiting examples of synthetic water soluble polymers may beselected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohols,polyvinylpyrrolidones, polyalkylene oxides, polyacrylates, caprolactams,polymethacrylates, polymethylmethacrylates, polyacrylamides,polymethylacrylamides, polydimethylacrylamides, polyethylene glycolmonomethacrylates, polyurethanes, polycarboxylic acids, polyvinylacetates, polyesters, polyamides, polyamines, polyethyleneimines, andPEG-240/HDI COPOLYMER BIS-DECYLTETRADECETH-20ETHER.

Further non-limiting examples of synthetic water soluble polymers may beselected from the group consisting of copolymers of anionic, cationicand amphoteric monomers and mixtures thereof, including maleic acrylatebased copolymers, maleic methacrylate based copolymers, copolymers ofmethylvinyl ether and of maleic anhydride, copolymers of vinyl acetateand of crotonic acid, copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone and of vinylacetate, and copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone and of caprolactam,polyquaternium-37, polyquaternium-6 and polyquaternium-7.

Non-limiting examples of natural water soluble polymers may be selectedfrom the group consisting of karaya gum, tragacanth gum, gum arabic,acemannan, konjac mannan, acacia gum, gum ghatti, whey protein isolate,soy protein isolate, guar gum, locust bean gum, quince seed gum,psyllium seed gum, carrageenan, alginates, agar, fruit extracts(pectins), xanthan gum, gellan gum, pullulan, hyaluronic acid,chondroitin sulfate, and dextran, casein, gelatin, keratin, keratinhydrolysates, sulfonic keratins, albumin, collagen, glutelin, glucagons,gluten, zein, shellac, and mixtures thereof.

Non-limiting examples of modified natural water soluble polymers may beselected from the group consisting of (1) cellulose derivativesincluding hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxymethylcellulose,hydroxyethylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose,ethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, cellulose acetate phthalate,nitrocellulose, cellulose ethers, cellulose esters; and (2) guarderivatives including hydroxypropyl guar. Suitablehydroxypropylmethylcelluloses may include those available from the DowChemical Company (Midland, Mich.).

Among them, highly preferred are, Polyquaternium-37 and PEG-240/HDICOPOLYMER BIS-DECYLTETRADECETH-20ETHER.

Container

Materials, structures, and shapes of the container can be anything aslong as the container can contain the solid discrete particles thereinand can dispense the solid discrete particles there from, and hasreasonable protection from water.

The structure and the shape can be varied, for examples, for containersfor a single dose in which the solid discrete particles are contained ata relatively smaller amount, or for containers for multiple doses inwhich the solid discrete particles are contained at relatively largeramount.

Solid Discrete Particle

Solid discrete particles of a mixture composition are used herein. Thesolid discrete particle preferably comprises 100% of the mixturecomposition, i.e., consisting of the mixture composition. When thediscrete particles contain water before swelling, it is preferred tocontrol the level of the water before swelling, so that the discreteparticle before swelling contains less than about 50% of water, morepreferably less than about 25%, still more preferably less than about15%, even more preferably less than about 10%, further preferably lessthan about 8% of water, by weight of the discrete particle.

The solid discrete particles in the container are preferably dry, andcontained without any liquid carrier suspending the discrete particles.

The solid discrete particle preferably has a particle size of from aboutlmicrometer to about 2000 mictometers, more preferably from about 10micrometers to about 1000 micrometer, still more preferably from about50 micrometers to about 500 micrometers.

The solid discrete particles herein can be in any shape, for example,spherical shape, rectangular shape, or diamond shape.

Preferably, the discrete particles useful herein are dispersed in thepersonal care composition and can be observed as discrete particles infinal product visually, for example, by microscope, however, those donot show maltese cross sign when measured by polarized light microscopy.This means that the discrete particles useful herein are not vesicleswhich are often seen in emulsions comprising surfactants, high meltingfatty compounds and aqueous carrier. Generally, surfactants, highmelting fatty compounds and aqueous carrier form emulsions, preferably agel matrix. In such emulsions and gel matrix, these components oftenform lamellar vesicle and/or lamellar sheet. Such Lamellar vesicle canbe observed as discrete particle by microscope, however, shows maltesecross sign when measured by polarized microscope.

Preferably, the discrete particles useful herein are swollen in theaqueous personal care composition, more preferably swollen by aqueouscarrier contained in the aqueous personal care composition, still morepreferably by water contained in the aqueous personal care composition.

Before and after swelling, the discrete particle is preferably not anoil-in-water emulsion or water-in-oil-in-water emulsion, morepreferably, not any emulsion including water-in-oil emulsion andoil-in-water-in-oil emulsion.

The discrete particle herein is different from particles coated orencapsulated by, for example, polymers.

The discrete particle useful herein is different from swellable siliconeelastomer and swellable thickening polymer. Preferably, the discreteparticle and the mixture composition are substantially free of suchswellable silicone elastomer and swellable thickening polymer. In thepresent invention, “the discrete particle and the mixture compositionbeing substantially free of swellable silicone elastomer and swellablethickening polymer” means that: the discrete particle and the mixturecomposition are free of swellable silicone elastomer and swellablethickening polymer; or, if the discrete particle and the mixturecomposition contains swellable silicone elastomer and swellablethickening polymer, the level of such swellable silicone elastomer andswellable thickening polymer is very low. In the present invention, atotal level of such swellable silicone elastomer and swellablethickening polymer, if included, preferably 0.1% or less, morepreferably 0.05% or less, still more preferably 0.01% or less by weightof the discrete particle or by the weight of the mixture composition.Most preferably, the total level of such swellable silicone elastomerand swellable thickening polymer is 0% by weight of the discreteparticle or by the weight of the mixture composition.

The solid discrete particles may be swollen and/or dissolved faster inaqueous composition, when the solid discrete particle and the mixturecomposition contains liquid polypropylene glycol and/or di-long alkylcationic surfactant such as di-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salt.

Mixture Composition

The mixture composition useful herein comprises a surfactant and a highmelting point fatty compound. The mixture composition may furthercontain a benefit agent. These ingredients are explained later indetail.

The surfactants and the high melting point fatty compounds are presentin the mixture composition, with or without other ingredients, at alevel by weight of the mixture composition of, preferably from about 10%to about 100%, more preferably from about 20% to about 100%, still morepreferably from about 40% to about 100%, even more preferably from about60% to about 100%, further more preferably from about 80% to about 100%,in view of having solid discrete particles of the mixture composition

Other than the surfactants and high melting point fatty compounds, whenthe mixture composition contains any liquid such as water-insoluble,water-miscible, and water-soluble liquids and water, it is alsopreferred to control the level of such liquids, so that the total liquidlevel in the mixture composition can be preferably up to about 50%, morepreferably up to about 40%, still more preferably up to about 30% byweight of the mixture composition, in view of having solid discreteparticle of the mixture composition.

When the liquid is water insoluble liquid such as silicones, such waterinsoluble liquid can be contained in the mixture composition at a levelby weight of the mixture composition of preferably up to about 50%, morepreferably up to about 40%, still more preferably up to about 30%.

When the liquid is water miscible liquid such propylene glycol andglycerin, such water miscible liquid can be contained in the mixturecomposition at a level by weight of the mixture composition ofpreferably up to about 50%, more preferably up to about 40%, still morepreferably up to about 30%.

When the liquid is water soluble liquids such as isopropylalcohol (IPA)and ethanol, such water soluble liquid can be contained in the mixturecomposition at a level by weight of the mixture composition ofpreferably up to about 50%, more preferably up to about 30%, still morepreferably up to about 20%.

When the mixture composition contains water, it is preferred to controlthe level of the water so that the mixture composition contains lessthan about 50% of water, more preferably less than about 25%, still morepreferably less than about 15%, even more preferably less than about10%, further preferably less than about 8% of water, by weight of themixture composition, in view of having solid discrete particle of themixture composition.

Preferably in the mixture composition, the surfactant and the highmelting point fatty compound are contained at a level such that theweight ratio of the surfactant to the high melting point fatty compoundis in the range of from about 1:1 to about 1:10, more preferably fromabout 1:1 to about 1:4, still more preferably from about 1:2 to about1:4, in view of boosting rheology and/or conditioning benefit.

Surfactant for the Mixture Composition

The surfactant used for the mixture composition is preferablyhydrophobic, and is also preferably selected from the group consistingof: a cationic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, and mixtures thereof;and still more preferably a cationic surfactant. Such preferred cationicsurfactants are further explained below under the title “CATIONICSURFACTANT”.

High Melting Point Fatty Compound for the Mixture Composition

The high melting point fatty compound used for the mixture compositionis explained below under the title “HIGH MELTIONG POINT FATTY COMPOUND”.

Benefit Agent for the Mixture Composition

The mixture composition may further comprise a benefit agent in additionto the surfactant and the high melting point fatty compound, which aredifferent from the surfactant and the high melting point fatty compound.This benefit agent is also different from the aqueous carrier and waterwhich may be contained in the mixture composition.

The benefit agent can be contained in the mixture composition at a levelby the weight of the mixture composition, of preferably from about 0.1%to about 90%, more preferably from about 0.3% to about 60%, still morepreferably from about 0.5% to about 40%, even more preferably from about0.5% to about 30% in view of providing benefits from the benefit agentsand in view of having discrete particle of the mixture composition.

Preferably, such benefit agent is selected from the group consisting of:silicone compounds; perfumes; aesthetic benefit agents such as coloringagents to add a different color to the discrete particle from the colorof the aqueous personal care composition; sensate agents such asheating/cooling agents; anti-dandruff agents; incompatible agents whichare incompatible to at least one of personal care composition, package,and any other environmental factors; and mixtures thereof.

Such silicone compounds are further explained below under the title“SILICONE COMPOUND”.

Such perfumes can be anything, for example, perfume per se, and perfumemicro capsule (PMC) in which perfume is encapsulated by a polymericouter layer.

Such coloring agent can be anything, for example, pigments and dyes.

Such incompatible agents are, for example, those selected from the groupconsisting of: solid minerals or chemical substances that have highionic strength and/or high surface charge and tend to causeagglomeration and/or crystallization in aqueous compositions, which are,for example, mica, salicylic acid, and metal pyrithione such as zincpyrithione with or without ionic polymer coating or dispersion;

organic oil material which is highly interactive with gel networkcomponent, for example,

Hexyl Decanol, Isostearyl Isostearate;

and mixtures thereof.

Depending on the type of the benefit agent, when containing the benefitagent, the solid discrete particles may provide at least one of thefollowing:

-   -   Boosting rheology especially storage modulus (G′) and/or        boosting rich conditioning perception/feeling, preferably        independently from the use of thickening polymer.    -   Boosting conditioning benefits    -   Adding a new benefit such as aesthetic benefit, anti-dandruff        benefit, sensate such as heating/cooling, and scent    -   Providing at least one of the above benefits, while having        improved stability especially when containing incompatible        components and/or while not causing negative interaction with        personal care composition, package, and any other environmental        factors.

Cationic Surfactant

Cationic surfactant useful herein can be one cationic surfactant or amixture of two or more cationic surfactants. Preferably, the cationicsurfactant is selected from: mono-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salt;a combination of mono-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salt and di-longalkyl quaternized ammonium salt; mono-long alkyl amine; a combination ofmono-long alkyl amine and di-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salt.

Mono-Long Alkyl Quaternized Ammonium Salt

The mono-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salts useful herein are thosehaving one long alkyl chain which has from 12 to 30 carbon atoms,preferably from 16 to 24 carbon atoms, more preferably C18-22 alkylgroup. The remaining groups attached to nitrogen are independentlyselected from an alkyl group of from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms or analkoxy, polyoxyalkylene, alkylamido, hydroxyalkyl, aryl or alkylarylgroup having up to about 4 carbon atoms.

Mono-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salts useful herein are thosehaving the formula (I):

wherein one of R⁷⁵, R⁷⁶, R⁷⁷ and R⁷⁸ is selected from an alkyl group offrom 12 to 30 carbon atoms or an aromatic, alkoxy, polyoxyalkylene,alkylamido, hydroxyalkyl, aryl or alkylaryl group having up to about 30carbon atoms; the remainder of R⁷⁵, R⁷⁶, R⁷⁷ and R⁷⁸ are independentlyselected from an alkyl group of from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms or analkoxy, polyoxyalkylene, alkylamido, hydroxyalkyl, aryl or alkylarylgroup having up to about 4 carbon atoms; and X⁻is a salt-forming anionsuch as those selected from halogen, (e.g. chloride, bromide), acetate,citrate, lactate, glycolate, phosphate, nitrate, sulfonate, sulfate,alkylsulfate, and alkyl sulfonate radicals. The alkyl groups cancontain, in addition to carbon and hydrogen atoms, ether and/or esterlinkages, and other groups such as amino groups. The longer chain alkylgroups, e.g., those of about 12 carbons, or higher, can be saturated orunsaturated. Preferably, one of R⁷⁵, R⁷⁶, R⁷⁷ and R⁷⁸ is selected froman alkyl group of from 12 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferably from 16 to24 carbon atoms, still more preferably from 18 to 22 carbon atoms, evenmore preferably 22 carbon atoms; the remainder of R⁷⁵, R⁷⁶, R⁷⁷ and R⁷⁸are independently selected from CH₃, C₂H₅, C₂H₄OH, and mixtures thereof;and X is selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br, CH3OSO₃,C₂H₅OSO₃, and mixtures thereof.

Nonlimiting examples of such mono-long alkyl quaternized ammonium saltcationic surfactants include: behenyl trimethyl ammonium salt; stearyltrimethyl ammonium salt; cetyl trimethyl ammonium salt; and hydrogenatedtallow alkyl trimethyl ammonium salt.

Di-Long Alkyl Quaternized Ammonium Salts

When used, di-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salts are preferablycombined with a mono-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salt or mono-longalkyl amine salt, at the weight ratio of from 1:1 to 1:5, morepreferably from 1:1.2 to 1:5, still more preferably from 1:1.5 to 1:4,in view of stability in rheology and conditioning benefits.

Di-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salts useful herein are those havingtwo long alkyl chains of from 12 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferablyfrom 16 to 24 carbon atoms, still more preferably from 18 to 22 carbonatoms. Such di-long alkyl quaternized ammonium salts useful herein arethose having the formula (I):

wherein two of R⁷¹, R⁷², R⁷³ and R⁷⁴ are selected from an aliphaticgroup of from 12 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably from 16 to 24 carbonatoms, more preferably from 18 to 22 carbon atoms or an aromatic,alkoxy, polyoxyalkylene, alkylamido, hydroxyalkyl, aryl or alkylarylgroup having up to about 30 carbon atoms; the remainder of R⁷¹, R⁷², R⁷³and R⁷⁴ are independently selected from an aliphatic group of from 1 toabout 8 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 3 carbon atoms or anaromatic, alkoxy, polyoxyalkylene, alkylamido, hydroxyalkyl, aryl oralkylaryl group having up to about 8 carbon atoms; and X⁻is asalt-forming anion selected from the group consisting of halides such aschloride and bromide, C1-C4 alkyl sulfate such as methosulfate andethosulfate, and mixtures thereof. The aliphatic groups can contain, inaddition to carbon and hydrogen atoms, ether linkages, and other groupssuch as amino groups. The longer chain aliphatic groups, e.g., those ofabout 16 carbons, or higher, can be saturated or unsaturated.Preferably, two of R⁷¹, R⁷², R⁷³ and R⁷⁴ are selected from an alkylgroup of from 12 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably from 16 to 24 carbonatoms, more preferably from 18 to 22 carbon atoms; and the remainder ofR⁷¹, R⁷², R⁷³ and R⁷⁴ are independently selected from CH₃, C₂H₅, C₂H₄OH,CH₂C₆H₅, and mixtures thereof.

Such preferred di-long alkyl cationic surfactants include, for example,dialkyl (14-18) dimethyl ammonium chloride, ditallow alkyl dimethylammonium chloride, dihydrogenated tallow alkyl dimethyl ammoniumchloride, distearyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, and dicetyl dimethylammonium chloride.

Mono-Long Alkyl Amine

Mono-long alkyl amine useful herein are those having one long alkylchain of preferably from 12 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferably from 16to 24 carbon atoms, still more preferably from 18 to 22 alkyl group.Mono-long alkyl amines useful herein also include mono-long alkylamidoamines Primary, secondary, and tertiary fatty amines are useful.

Particularly useful are tertiary amido amines having an alkyl group offrom about 12 to about 22 carbons. Exemplary tertiary amido aminesinclude: stearamidopropyldimethylamine, stearamidopropyldiethylamine,stearamidoethyldiethylamine, stearamidoethyldimethylamine,palmitamidopropyldimethylamine, palmitamidopropyldiethylamine,palmitamidoethyldiethylamine, palmitamidoethyldimethylamine,behenamidopropyldimethylamine, behenamidopropyldiethylamine,behenamidoethyldiethylamine, behenamidoethyldimethyl amine,arachidamidopropyldimethylamine, arachidamidopropyldiethylamine,arachidamidoethyldiethylamine, arachidamidoethyldimethylamine,diethylaminoethylstearamide. Useful amines in the present invention aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,275,055, Nachtigal, et al.

These amines are used in combination with acids such as

-glutamic acid, lactic acid, hydrochloric acid, malic acid, succinicacid, acetic acid, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, citric acid,

-glutamic hydrochloride, maleic acid, and mixtures thereof; morepreferably

-glutamic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, at a molar ratio of the amineto the acid of from about 1:0.3 to about 1:2, more preferably from about1:0.4 to about 1:1.

High Melting Point Fatty Compound

The high melting point fatty compound useful herein have a melting pointof 25° C. or higher, preferably 40° C. or higher, more preferably 45° C.or higher, still more preferably 50° C. or higher, in view of stabilityof the emulsion especially the gel matrix. Preferably, such meltingpoint is up to about 90° C., more preferably up to about 80° C., stillmore preferably up to about 70° C., even more preferably up to about 65°C., in view of easier manufacturing and easier emulsification. In thepresent invention, the high melting point fatty compound can be used asa single compound or as a blend or mixture of at least two high meltingpoint fatty compounds. When used as such blend or mixture, the abovemelting point means the melting point of the blend or mixture.

The high melting point fatty compound useful herein is selected from thegroup consisting of fatty alcohols, fatty acids, fatty alcoholderivatives, fatty acid derivatives, and mixtures thereof. It isunderstood by the artisan that the compounds disclosed in this sectionof the specification can in some instances fall into more than oneclassification, e.g., some fatty alcohol derivatives can also beclassified as fatty acid derivatives. However, a given classification isnot intended to be a limitation on that particular compound, but is doneso for convenience of classification and nomenclature. Further, it isunderstood by the artisan that, depending on the number and position ofdouble bonds, and length and position of the branches, certain compoundshaving certain required carbon atoms may have a melting point of lessthan the above preferred in the present invention. Such compounds of lowmelting point are not intended to be included in this section.Nonlimiting examples of the high melting point compounds are found inInternational Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary, Fifth Edition, 1993, andCTFA Cosmetic Ingredient Handbook, Second Edition, 1992.

Among a variety of high melting point fatty compounds, fatty alcoholsare preferably used in the composition of the present invention. Thefatty alcohols useful herein are those having from about 14 to about 30carbon atoms, preferably from about 16 to about 22 carbon atoms. Thesefatty alcohols are saturated and can be straight or branched chainalcohols.

Preferred fatty alcohols include, for example, cetyl alcohol (having amelting point of about 56° C.), stearyl alcohol (having a melting pointof about 58-59° C.), behenyl alcohol (having a melting point of about71° C.), and mixtures thereof. These compounds are known to have theabove melting point. However, they often have lower melting points whensupplied, since such supplied products are often mixtures of fattyalcohols having alkyl chain length distribution in which the main alkylchain is cetyl, stearyl or behenyl group.

In the present invention, more preferred fatty alcohol is a mixture ofcetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol.

Generally, in the mixture, the weight ratio of cetyl alcohol to stearylalcohol is preferably from about 1:9 to 9:1, more preferably from about1:4 to about 4:1, still more preferably from about 1:2.3 to about 1.5:1

Silicone Compound

The silicone compounds useful herein, as a single compound, as a blendor mixture of at least two silicone compounds, or as a blend or mixtureof at least one silicone compound and at least one solvent, have aviscosity of preferably from about 1,000 to about 2,000,000 mPa·s at 25°C.

The viscosity can be measured by means of a glass capillary viscometeras set forth in Dow Corning Corporate Test Method CTM0004, Jul. 20,1970. Suitable silicone fluids include polyalkyl siloxanes, polyarylsiloxanes, polyalkylaryl siloxanes, polyether siloxane copolymers, aminosubstituted silicones, quaternized silicones, and mixtures thereof.Other nonvolatile silicone compounds having conditioning properties canalso be used.

In some embodiments, amino substituted silicones are preferably used.Preferred aminosilicones include, for example, those which conform tothe general formula (I):

(R₁)_(a)G_(3-a)-Si—(—OSiG₂)_(n)-(—OSiG_(b)(R₁)_(2-b))_(m)—O—SiG_(3-a)(R₁)_(a)

wherein G is hydrogen, phenyl, hydroxy, or C₁-C₈ alkyl, preferablymethyl; a is 0 or an integer having a value from 1 to 3, preferably 1; bis 0, 1 or 2, preferably 1; n is a number from 0 to 1,999; m is aninteger from 0 to 1,999; the sum of n and m is a number from 1 to 2,000;a and m are not both 0; R₁ is a monovalent radical conforming to thegeneral formula CqH_(2q)L, wherein q is an integer having a value from 2to 8 and L is selected from the following groups: —N(R₂)CH₂—CH₂—N(R₂)₂;—N(R₂)₂; —N(R₂)₃A⁻; —N(R₂)CH₂—CH₂—NR₂H₂A⁻; wherein R₂ is hydrogen,phenyl, benzyl, or a saturated hydrocarbon radical, preferably an alkylradical from about C₁ to about C₂₀; A⁻is a halide ion.

Highly preferred amino silicones are those corresponding to formula (I)wherein m=0, a=1, q=3, G=methyl, n is preferably from about 1500 toabout 1700, more preferably about 1600; and L is —N(CH₃)₂ or —NH₂, morepreferably —NH₂. Another highly preferred amino silicones are thosecorresponding to formula (I) wherein m=0, a=1, q=3, G=methyl, n ispreferably from about 400 to about 600, more preferably about 500; and Lis —N(CH₃)₂ or —NH₂, more preferably —NH2. Such highly preferred aminosilicones can be called as terminal aminosilicones, as one or both endsof the silicone chain are terminated by nitrogen containing group.

The above aminosilicones, when incorporated into the composition, can bemixed with solvent having a lower viscosity. Such solvents include, forexample, polar or non-polar, volatile or non-volatile oils. Such oilsinclude, for example, silicone oils, hydrocarbons, and esters. Amongsuch a variety of solvents, preferred are those selected from the groupconsisting of non-polar, volatile hydrocarbons, volatile cyclicsilicones, non-volatile linear silicones, and mixtures thereof. Thenon-volatile linear silicones useful herein are those having a viscosityof from about 1 to about 20,000 centistokes, preferably from about 20 toabout 10,000 centistokes at 25° C. Among the preferred solvents, highlypreferred are non-polar, volatile hydrocarbons, especially non-polar,volatile isoparaffins, in view of reducing the viscosity of theaminosilicones and providing improved hair conditioning benefits such asreduced friction on dry hair. Such mixtures have a viscosity ofpreferably from about 1,000 mPa·s to about 100,000 mPa·s, morepreferably from about 5,000 mPa·s to about 50,000 mPa·s.

Other suitable alkylamino substituted silicone compounds include thosehaving alkylamino substitutions as pendant groups of a siliconebackbone. Highly preferred are those known as “amodimethicone”.Commercially available amodimethicones useful herein include, forexample, BY16-872 available from Dow Corning.

Silicone Polymer Containing Quaternary Groups

Silicone compounds useful herein include, for example, a SiliconePolymer Containing Quaternary Groups comprising terminal ester groups,having a viscosity up to 100,000 mPa·s and a D block length of greaterthan 200 D units. Without being bound by theory, this low viscositysilicone polymer provides improved conditioning benefits such as smoothfeel, reduced friction, and prevention of hair damage, while eliminatingthe need for a silicone blend.

Structurally, the silicone polymer is a polyorganosiloxane compoundcomprising one or more quaternary ammonium groups, at least one siliconeblock comprising greater than 200 siloxane units, at least onepolyalkylene oxide structural unit, and at least one terminal estergroup. In one or more embodiments, the silicone block may comprisebetween 300 to 500 siloxane units.

The silicone polymer is present in an amount of from about 0.05% toabout 15%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 10%, more preferably fromabout 0.15% to about 5%, and even more preferably from about 0.2% toabout 4% by weight of the composition.

In a preferred embodiment, the polyorganosiloxane compounds have thegeneral formulas (Ia) and (Ib):

M-Y-[-(N⁺-T-N⁺R₂)-Y-]_(m)-[—(NR²-A-E-A′-NR²)-Y-]_(k)-M  (Ia)

M-Y-[-(N⁺-T-N⁺R₂)-Y-]_(m)-[(N⁺R² ₂-A-E-A′-N⁺R² ₂)-Y-]_(k)-M  (Ib)

wherein:m is >0, preferred 0.01 to 100, more preferred 0.1 to 100, even morepreferred 1 to 100, specifically 1 to 50, more specifically 1 to 20,even more specifically 1 to 10,k is 0 or an average value of from >0 to 50, or preferably from 1 to 20,or even more preferably from 1 to 10,M represents a terminal group, comprising terminal ester groups selectedfrom

—OC(O)—Z

—OS(O)₂—Z

—OS(O₂)O—Z

—OP(O)(O—Z)OH

—OP(O)(O—Z)₂

wherein Z is selected from monovalent organic residues having up to 40carbon atoms, optionally comprising one or more hetero atoms.A and A′ each are independently from each other selected from a singlebond or a divalent organic group having up to 10 carbon atoms and one ormore hetero atoms, andE is a polyalkylene oxide group of the general formula:

—[CH₂CH₂O]_(q)—[CH₂CH(CH₃)O]₁—[CH₂CH(C₂H₅)O ]₈—

wherein q=0 to 200, r=0 to 200, s=0 to 200, and q+r+s=1 to 600.R² is selected from hydrogen or R,R is selected from monovalent organic groups having up to 22 carbonatoms and optionally one or more heteroatoms, and wherein the freevalencies at the nitrogen atoms are bound to carbon atoms,Y is a group of the formula:

wherein R1=C₁-C₂₂-alkyl, C₁-C₂₂-fluoralkyl or aryl; n=200 to 1000, andthese can be identical or different if several S Groups are present inthe polyorganosiloxane compound.K is a bivalent or trivalent straight chain, cyclic and/or branchedC₂-C₄₀ hydrocarbon residue which is optionally interrupted by —O—, —NH—,trivalent N, —NR¹—, —C(O)—, —C(S)—, and optionally substituted with —OH,wherein R¹ is defined as above,T is selected from a divalent organic group having up to 20 carbon atomsand one or more hetero atoms.

The residues K may be identical or different from each other. In the—K—S—K— moiety, the residue K is bound to the silicon atom of theresidue S via a C—Si-bond.

Due to the possible presence of amine groups (-(NR²-A-E-A′-NR²)-) in thepolyorganosiloxane compounds, they may have protonated ammonium groups,resulting from the protonation of such amine groups with organic orinorganic acids. Such compounds are sometimes referred to as acidaddition salts of the polyorganosiloxane compounds.

In a preferred embodiment the molar ratio of the quaternary ammoniumgroups b) and the terminal ester groups c) is less than 100:20, evenmore preferred is less than 100:30 and is most preferred less than100:50. The ratio can be determined by ¹³C—NMR.

In a further embodiment, the polyorganosiloxane composition maycomprise:

A) at least one polyorganosiloxane compound, comprising a) at least onepolyorganosiloxane group, b) at least one quaternary ammonium group, c)at least one terminal ester group, and d) at least one polyalkyleneoxide group (as defined before),B) at least one polyorganosiloxane compound, comprising at least oneterminal ester group, different from compound A).

In the definition of component A) it can be referred to the descriptionof the polyorganosiloxane compounds of the invention. Thepolyorganosiloxane compound B) differs from the polyorganosiloxanecompound A) preferably in that it does not comprise quaternary ammoniumgroups. Preferred polyorganosiloxane compounds B) result from thereaction of monofunctional organic acids, in particular carboxylicacids, and polyorganosiloxane containing bisepoxides.

In the polyorganosiloxane compositions the weight ratio of compound A)to compound B) is preferably less than 90:10. Or in other words, thecontent of component B) is at least 10 weight percent. In a furtherpreferred embodiment of the polyorganosiloxane compositions in compoundA) the molar ratio of the quaternary ammonium groups b) and the terminalester groups c) is less than 100:10, even more preferred is less than100:15 and is most preferred less than 100:20.

The silicone polymer has a viscosity at 20° C. and a shear rate of 0.1s⁻¹ (plate-plate system, plate diameter 40 mm, gap width 0.5 mm) of lessthan 100,000 mPa·s (100 Pa·s). In further embodiments, the viscositiesof the neat silicone polymers may range from 500 to 100,000 mPa·s, orpreferably from 500 to 70,000 mPa·s, or more preferably from 500 to50,000 mPa·s, or even more preferably from 500 to 20,000 mPa·s. Infurther embodiments, the viscosities of the neat polymers may range from500 to 10,000 mPa·s, or preferably 500 to 5000 mPa·s determined at 20°C. and a shear rate of 0.1 s⁻¹.

In addition to the above listed silicone polymers, the followingpreferred compositions are provided below. For example, in thepolyalkylene oxide group E of the general formula:

—[CH₂CH₂O]_(q)—[CH₂CH(CH₃)O]₁—[CH₂CH(C₂H₅)O]_(s)—

wherein the q, r, and s indices may be defined as follows:q=0 to 200, or preferably from 0 to 100, or more preferably from 0 to50, or even more preferably from 0 to 20,r=0 to 200, or preferably from 0 to 100, or more preferably from 0 to50, or even more preferably from 0 to 20,s=0 to 200, or preferably from 0 to 100, or more preferably from 0 to50, or even more preferably from 0 to 20, andq+r+s=1 to 600, or preferably from 1 to 100, or more preferably from 1to 50, or even more preferably from 1 to 40.

For polyorganosiloxane structural units with the general formula S:

R¹=C₁-C₂₂-alkyl, C₁-C₂₂-fluoralkyl or aryl; n=from 200 to 1000, orpreferably from 300 to 500, K (in the group —K—S—K—) is preferably abivalent or trivalent straight chain, cyclical or branched C₂-C₂₀hydrocarbon residue which is optionally interrupted by—O—,—NH—,trivalentN,—NR¹—,—C(O)——C(S)—, and optionally substituted with—OH.

In specific embodiments, R¹ is C₁-C₁₈ alkyl, C₁-C₁₈ fluoroalkyl andaryl. Furthermore, R¹ is preferably C₂-C₁₈ alkyl, C₁-C₆ fluoroalkyl andaryl. Furthermore, R¹ is more preferably C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ fluoroalkyl,even more preferably C₁-C₄ fluoroalkyl, and phenyl. Most preferably, R¹is methyl, ethyl, trifluoropropyl and phenyl.

As used herein, the term “C₁-C₂₂ alkyl” means that the aliphatichydrocarbon groups possess from 1 to 22 carbon atoms which can bestraight chain or branched. Methyl, ethyl, propyl, n-butyl, pentyl,hexyl, heptyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, isopropyl, neopentyl and 1,2,3-trimethyl hexyl moieties serve as examples.

Further as used herein, the term “C₁-C₂₂ fluoroalkyl” means aliphatichydrocarbon compounds with 1 to 22 carbon atoms which can be straightchain or branched and are substituted with at least one fluorine atom.Monofluormethyl, monofluoroethyl, 1,1,1-trifluorethyl, perfluoroethyl,1,1,1-trifluoropropyl, 1,2,2-trifluorobutyl are suitable examples.

Moreover, the term “aryl” means unsubstituted or phenyl substituted onceor several times with OH, F, Cl, CF₃, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₃-C₇cycloalkyl, C₂-C₆ alkenyl or phenyl. Aryl may also mean naphthyl.

For the embodiments of the polyorganosiloxanes, the positive chargesresulting from the ammonium group(s), are neutralized with inorganicanions such as chloride, bromide, hydrogen sulfate, sulfate, or organicanions, like carboxylates deriving from C₁-C₃carboxylic acids, forexample acetate, propionate, octanoate, especially from C₁₀-C₁₈carboxylic acids, for example decanoate, dodecanoate, tetradecanoate,hexadecanoate, octadecanoate and oleate, alkylpolyethercarboxylate,alkylsulphonate, arylsulphonate, alkylarylsulphonate, alkylsulphate,alkylpolyethersulphate, phosphates derived from phosphoric acid monoalkyl/aryl ester and phosphoric acid dialkyl/aryl ester. The propertiesof the polyorganosiloxane compounds can be, inter alia, modified basedupon the selection of acids used.

The quaternary ammonium groups are usually generated by reacting thedi-tertiary amines with an alkylating agents, selected from inparticular di-epoxides (sometimes referred to also as bis-epoxides) inthe presence of mono carboxylic acids and difunctional dihalogen alkylcompounds.

In a preferred embodiment the polyorganosiloxane compounds are of thegeneral formulas (Ia) and (Ib):

M-Y-[-(N⁺R²-T-N⁺R₂)-Y-]_(m)-[-(NR²-A-E-A′-NR²)-Y-]_(k)-M  (Ia)

M-Y-[-(N⁺R₂-T-N⁺R₂)-Y-]_(m)-[-(N⁺R² ₂-A-E-A′-N⁺R² ₂)-Y-]_(k)-M  (Ib)

wherein each group is as defined above; however, the repeating units arein a statistical arrangement (i.e., not a block-wise arrangement).

In a further preferred embodiment, the polyorganosiloxane compounds maybe also of the general formulas (IIa) or (IIb):

M-Y-[-N⁺R₂-Y-]_(m)-[-(NR²-A-E-A′-NR²)-Y-]_(k)-M  (IIa)

M-Y-[-N⁺R₂-Y-]_(m)-[-(N⁺R² ₂-A-E-A′-N⁺R² ₂)-Y-]_(k)-M  (IIb)

wherein each group is as defined above. Also in such formula, therepeating units are usually in a statistical arrangement (i.e. not ablock-wise arrangement).

wherein, as defined above, M is

—OC(O)—Z,

—OS(O)₂—Z

—OS(O₂)O—Z

—OP(O)(O—Z)OH

—OP(O)(O—Z)₂

Z is a straight chain, cyclic or branched saturated or unsaturatedC₁-C₂₀, or preferably C₂ to C₁₈, or even more preferably a hydrocarbonradical, which can be interrupted by one or more —O—, or —C(O)—andsubstituted with —OH. In a specific embodiment, M is —OC(O)—Z resultingfrom normal carboxylic acids in particular with more than 10 carbonatoms like for example dodecanoic acid.

In a further embodiment, the molar ratio of thepolyorganosiloxane-containing repeating group —K—S—K— and thepolyalkylene repeating group -A-E-A′-or-A′-E-A- is between 100:1 and1:100, or preferably between 20:1 and 1:20, or more preferably between10:1 and 1:10.

In the group -(N⁺R₂-T-N⁺R₂)-, R may represent a monovalent straightchain, cyclic or branched C₁-C₂₀ hydrocarbon radical, which can beinterrupted by one or more —O—,—C(O)— and can be substituted by —OH, Tmay represent a divalent straight-chain, cyclic, or branched C₁-C₂₀hydrocarbon radical, which can be interrupted by —O——C(O)— and can besubstituted by hydroxyl.

The above described polyorganosiloxane compounds comprising quaternaryammonium functions and ester functions may also contain: 1) individualmolecules which contain quaternary ammonium functions and no esterfunctions; 2) molecules which contain quaternary ammonium functions andester functions; and 3) molecules which contain ester functions and noquaternary ammonium functions. While not limited to structure, the abovedescribed polyorganosiloxane compounds comprising quaternary ammoniumfunctions and ester functions are to be understood as mixtures ofmolecules comprising a certain averaged amount and ratio of bothmoieties.

Various monofunctional organic acids may be utilized to yield theesters. Exemplary embodiments include C₁-C₃₀ carboxylic acids, forexample C₂, C₃, C₈ acids, C₁₀-C₁₈ carboxylic acids, for example C₁₂,C₁₄, C16 acids, saturated, unsaturated and hydroxyl functionalized C₁₈acids, alkylpolyethercarboxylic acids, alkylsulphonic acids,arylsulphonic acids, alkylarylsulphonic acids, alkylsulphuric acids,alkylpolyethersulphuric acids, phosphoric acid mono alkyl/aryl estersand phosphoric acid dialkyl/aryl esters.

Additional Components

The personal care composition of the present invention may include otheradditional components, which may be selected by the artisan according tothe desired characteristics of the final product and which are suitablefor rendering the composition more cosmetically or aestheticallyacceptable or to provide them with additional usage benefits. Such otheradditional components generally are used individually at levels of fromabout 0.001% to about 10%, preferably up to about 5% by weight of thecomposition.

A wide variety of other additional components can be formulated into thepresent compositions. These include: other conditioning agents such ashydrolysed collagen with tradename Peptein 2000 available from Hormel,vitamin E with tradename Emix-d available from Eisai, panthenolavailable from Roche, panthenyl ethyl ether available from Roche,hydrolysed keratin, proteins, plant extracts, and nutrients;preservatives such as benzyl alcohol, methyl paraben, propyl paraben andimidazolidinyl urea; pH adjusting agents, such as citric acid, sodiumcitrate, succinic acid, phosphoric acid, sodium hydroxide, sodiumcarbonate; coloring agents, such as any of the FD&C or D&C dyes;perfumes; ultraviolet and infrared screening and absorbing agents suchas benzophenones; and antidandruff agents such as zinc pyrithione.

Preparation of Solid Discrete Particle and Mixture Composition

The mixture composition is prepared by steps of:

preparing a melting mixture composition comprising the surfactant andthe high melting point fatty compound, wherein the temperature of themelting mixture composition is higher than the melting point of the highmelting point fatty compound contained in the mixture composition;cooling the melting mixture composition to a temperature which is lowerthan the melting point of the high melting point fatty compoundcontained in the mixture composition, to form the mixture composition.The discrete particle can be prepared concurrently when preparing themixture composition during the above cooling step, or can be preparedafter forming the mixture composition.

Preferably, the temperature of the melting mixture composition is atleast 2° C., still more preferably at least 5° C., even more preferablyat least 10° C. higher than the above melting point of the high meltingpoint fatty compound. It is also preferred that the temperature of themelting mixture composition is from about 30° C. to about 150° C., morepreferably from about 40° C. to about 100° C., still more preferablyfrom about 50° C. to about 95° C., even more preferably from about 55°C. to about 90° C., further more preferably from about 66° C. to about90° C.

Preferably, the melting mixture composition is cooled to a temperaturewhich is lower than a melting point of the high melting point fattycompound contained in the mixture composition, more preferably at least2° C., more preferably at least 5° C., still more preferably at least10° C. lower than the melting point of the high melting point fattycompound contained in the mixture composition. It is also preferred thatthe melting mixture composition is cooled to a temperature of from about−200° C. to about 50° C., more preferably from about −40° C. to about50° C., still more preferably from about 0° C. to about 30° C.

When Containing the Benefit Agents in The Mixture Composition

When the mixture composition further comprises the benefit agents, themixture composition can be prepared by steps of:

Preparing a melting mixture composition comprising the surfactant andthe high melting point fatty compound, wherein the temperature of themelting mixture composition is higher than a melting point of the highmelting point fatty compound contained in the mixture composition;cooling the melting mixture composition to the temperature which islower than a melting point of the high melting point fatty compoundcontained in the mixture composition, to form the mixture composition,wherein the benefit agent can be added anytime depending on theproperties of the benefit agent, for example, the benefit agent can beadded to the mixture composition before cooling, during coolingespecially when using volatile benefit agent such as perfumes, or aftercooling preferably right after cooling such as within 30 min aftercooling.

When the mixture composition comprises a benefit agent, the benefitagent can be homogeneously mixed with the mixture composition, andhomogeneous discrete particles can be formed in the compositions.

Alternatively, in the discrete particle, the benefit agent can form aninner core covered by an outer shell formed by the mixture composition.

EXAMPLES

The following examples further describe and demonstrate embodimentswithin the scope of the present invention. The examples are given solelyfor the purpose of illustration and are not to be construed aslimitations of the present invention, as many variations thereof arepossible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.Where applicable, ingredients are identified by chemical or CTFA name,or otherwise defined below.

Method of Preparation of the Customized Product Composition

The embodiments disclosed and represented by “Ex.” are customizedpersonal care product compositions of the present invention, and wereprepared and applied by the usage instruction comprising depictioncorresponding to the following steps:

-   -   (i) mixing an aqueous personal care composition and the solid        discrete particles at room temperature to make a customized        personal care product; and    -   (ii) applying the customized personal care product to the target        surface.

The solid discrete particles were prepared by the following method:

Preparing a melting mixture composition wherein the temperature of themelting mixture composition is higher than a melting point of the highmelting point fatty compound contained in the mixture composition, i.e.,from about 66° C. to about 90° C.;Cooling the melting mixture composition to a temperature which is lowerthan a melting point of the high melting point fatty compound containedin the mixture composition, i.e., from about 0° C. to about 40° C., toform the mixture composition; andPreparing a solid discrete particle consisting of the mixturecomposition.

The solid discrete particles were contained in a container separatedfrom the personal care composition before mixing, and the above usageinstruction is attached to the container.

The personal care product compositions disclosed and represented by“CEx.” are comparative examples, and were prepared by the above methodfor those with solid discrete particles, or by a conventional method forthose without solid discrete particles.

Properties and Benefits

The embodiments disclosed and represented by “Ex.” are customizedpersonal care product compositions of the present invention which areparticularly useful for rinse-off use, and have many advantages. Forexample, the present invention provides at least one the followings:

-   -   Boosting rheology especially storage modulus (G′) and/or        boosting rich conditioning perception/feeling, preferably        independently from the use of thickening polymer.    -   Boosting conditioning benefits    -   Adding a new benefit such as aesthetic benefit, anti-dandruff        benefit, sensate such as heating/cooling, and scent    -   Providing at least one of the above benefits, while having        improved stability especially when containing incompatible        components and/or while not causing negative interaction with        personal care composition, package, and any other environmental        factors.

Some of such benefits may be understood by the comparison withcomparative examples “CEx.”.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm. ”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application and any patent application or patent to which thisapplication claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded orotherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission thatit is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimedherein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other referenceor references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention.Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in thisdocument conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in adocument incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assignedto that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A personal care product comprising: one or moresolid discrete particles of a mixture composition, wherein the mixturecomposition comprises a surfactant and a high melting point fattycompound, and wherein the mixture composition contains less than about50% of water; a container containing the discrete particles; and a usageinstruction comprising depiction corresponding to the following steps:(i) mixing an aqueous personal care composition and the solid discreteparticles, to make a customized personal care product; and (ii) applyingthe customized personal care product to a targeted surface.
 2. Thepersonal care product of claim 1, wherein the mixture compositioncontains less than about 25% of water.
 3. The personal care product ofclaim 1, wherein the mixture composition contains less than about 15% ofwater.
 4. The personal care product of claim 1, wherein the mixturecomposition contains less than about 10% of water.
 5. The personal careproduct of claim 1, wherein the mixture composition contains less thanabout 8% of water
 6. The product of claim 1, wherein the instruction isfree of: depiction corresponding to a step to heat any of the discreteparticle, the aqueous personal care composition and the customizedpersonal care product; and/or depiction make the temperature of any ofthe discrete particle, the aqueous personal care composition and thecustomized personal care product to exceed 65° C.
 7. The product ofclaim 1, wherein the instruction further comprises: depiction torestrict to heat any of the discrete particle, the aqueous personal carecomposition and the customized personal care product; and/or depictionto restrict that the temperature of any of the discrete particle, theaqueous personal care composition and the customized personal careproduct to exceed 65° C.
 8. The product of claim 1, wherein the aqueouspersonal care composition is the one which a user has or buy.
 9. Theproduct of claim 1, wherein the discrete particles are not coated orencapsulated.
 10. The product of claim 1, wherein the surfactantcontained in the discrete particle is hydrophobic.
 11. The product ofclaim 1, wherein the surfactant contained in the solid discrete particleis selected from the group consisting of: a cationic surfactant, anonionic surfactant, and mixtures thereof, more preferably wherein thesurfactant contained in the discrete particle is a cationic surfactant.12. The product of claim 1, wherein the solid discrete particle furthercomprises a benefit agent selected from the group consisting of siliconecompounds; perfumes; aesthetic benefit agents; sensate agents;anti-dandruff agents; incompatible agents which are incompatible to atleast one of personal care composition, package, and any otherenvironmental factors; and mixtures thereof.
 13. The product of claim 1,wherein the personal care compositions are selected from the groupconsisting of a hair care composition, a body care composition, a facialskin care composition, and mixtures thereof, preferably wherein theproduct composition is a hair care composition.
 14. The product of claim1, wherein the aqueous personal care composition is substantially freeof a detersive surfactant selected from anionic surfactants,zwitterionic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant, and combinationsthereof.
 15. A method of applying a customized personal care productcomprising the following steps: (i) Mixing an aqueous personal carecomposition and one or more solid discrete particles of a mixturecomposition to make a customized personal care product, wherein themixture composition comprises a surfactant and a high melting pointfatty compound, and wherein the mixture composition contains less thanabout 50% of water; and (ii) Applying the customized personal careproduct to a targeted surface.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein themixture composition contains less than about 25% of water.
 17. Themethod of claim 15, wherein the mixture composition contains less thanabout 15% of water.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the mixturecomposition contains less than about 10% of water.
 19. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the mixture composition contains less than about 8% ofwater.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the method is free of a stepto make the temperature of any of the discrete particle, the aqueouspersonal care composition and the customized personal care product toexceed 65° C.
 21. The method of claim 15, wherein the discrete particlesare not coated or encapsulated.
 22. The method of claim 15, wherein thesurfactant contained in the discrete particle is hydrophobic.
 23. Themethod of claim 15, wherein the surfactant contained in the soliddiscrete particle is selected from the group consisting of: a cationicsurfactant, a nonionic surfactant, and mixtures thereof, more preferablywherein the surfactant contained in the discrete particle is a cationicsurfactant.
 24. The method of claim 15, wherein the solid discreteparticle further comprises a benefit agent selected from the groupconsisting of silicone compounds; perfumes; aesthetic benefit agents;sensate agents; anti-dandruff agents; incompatible agents which areincompatible to at least one of personal care composition, package, andany other environmental factors; and mixtures thereof.
 25. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the personal care compositions are selected from thegroup consisting of a hair care composition, a body care composition, afacial skin care composition, and mixtures thereof, preferably whereinthe product composition is a hair care composition.
 26. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the aqueous personal care composition is substantiallyfree of a detersive surfactant selected from anionic surfactants,zwitterionic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant, and combinationsthereof.